RollWithEm

I've got another one.

How do you feel about home-schooling? Do you have any friends who were home-schooled? Do you know anyone who is currently trying it? Would you ever consider doing it with your children? How do you think it affects kids' development (i.e. social skills, etc.)?

__________________
But that's just me.

RollWithEm

Since no one jumped in on this topic, I'll answer my own questions.

I did a research project on this topic for my psychological statistics class. 70% of my sample knew someone growing up who was home-schooled. I'm not saying my sample was representative of the whole country, but it was a decent cross-section of the New Orleans metropolitan area.

The first time I ever encountered a home-schooled individual was in 8th grade. He was 2 years younger than everyone else in the class but was very advanced in his liberal arts skills. His math and science were slightly behind the curve. He was pretty socially awkward, but who doesn't have a little taste of that when they're that young? He seemed to have a pretty stable family life and a healthy relationship with his parents... way healthier than mine at least.

My aunt and uncle are currently home-schooling their 3 children. They are doing an admirable job given the fact that neither of them had any prior teaching experience. They are a part of a little home-schooling community in their town who all take it very seriously and provide a social network for the children. They also get that need serviced through little league athletics and gymnastics.

I have often considered trying it with my kids (whenever I have them). If I were able to be financially stable enough with my wife that only one of us had to work, I really think I would give it a try. I guess it's partially because I am a control freak and partially because I feel that the more personal attention a child gets in his developmental years the better he/she will turn out. If I decide to go that route, I will be uber-conscious of not just the pitfalls of the process but also of the stigma that some people attach to this segment of the population with which they are less familiar.

__________________
But that's just me.

Luke

When I was in middle school my two best friends were home schooled. They eventually both ended up graduating from a public high school, but I've been out of touch with both of them for years so I don't really know how they turned out. All I know is what I've seen on Facebook and such, but it looks like they're weirdos at this point. I think home schooling can be a good thing if the parents are qualified and they are in a situation where they can still progress socially by being around people their own age on a consistent basis, but I would never consider it.

__________________
Formerly VanillaPrice

Basel

I don't think home schooling is something I'd consider, either. When I was in school, it was public. Same with all my cousins and friends. Matter of fact, I didn't know anyone who was home schooled. And everyone turned out just fine.

__________________

RollWithEm

I had a long conversation with my uncle last night about his home-schooling efforts with his kids. He has found that they are all turning out really strong in liberal arts skills but weak in Math and Science because their mother (who does 90% of their home-schooling) is weak in Math and Science herself.

I asked him if he thought this was fair to his kids, and he prefers to just focus on their happiness and safety rather than their individual proficiency. I guess I just got a glimpse into one of the major pitfalls of the process that you wouldn't automatically think about.

__________________
But that's just me.